Lexus RC F
The RC sports coupe is not based on another of Lexus' previous sedan platforms and is instead designed from a clean sheet. The RC's exceptionally stiff chassis builds on Lexus' reputation and manufacturing excellence. The automaker itself claims the RC "the best-handling regular production Lexus yet."
The RC's performance begins under the hood. Power comes from a choice of two engines, a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder that is capable of 241 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque, or a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 is good for 260 horsepower and 236 lb-feet of torque. The 2.0L is only available with rear-wheel drive, while the RC300 and RC 350 are offered with a choice of either rear or all-wheel drive, the RC350 is capable of 311 horsepower with the V6. The highest end model of the RC family is the RC F and RC F Track that boasts a 472 horsepower, 5.0L V8 engine.
Lexus' "all-weather drive" system uses an electronic center differential to vary torque from the standard 20/80 front/rear to as much as 50/50. Braking in all RC models is quick and powerful, thanks to big 13.2-inch front ventilated brake rotors, and 12.2-inch ventilated rotors at the rear.
Outside, all RC models feature standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights and heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Inside, the RC includes NuLuxe interior surfaces with aluminum and wood accents, a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, cruise control, HomeLink, 8.0-inch Infotainment display, a 256-watt, 10-speaker audio system, back-up camera and more. The all-wheel drive RC 350 also features heated front seats.
Factory options abound, including 19-inch wheels, headlamp washers, a blind spot monitor, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, parking assist, a moonroof, navigation and an 835-watt Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium surround sound system. The all-wheel drive can be optioned with an All-Weather Package that includes headlamp washers, an instant-heat PTC heater, and a windshield de-icer. The Luxury Package adds many standalone options such as the blind spot indicator, heated/ventilated leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and more. Finally, the optional F Sport Package adds a mesh grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension with a Sport+ driving mode, aluminum pedals, sport seats with contrast stitching, unique badging and more.
In the Rear-wheel-drive only the RC F includes the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic, a Torsen limited-slip differential, huge 15-inch front and 13.6-inch rear vented disc brakes and unique "F" exterior and interior treatments. This particular model also benefits from a standard adaptive suspension, upgraded drive mode selector, Brembo brakes and speed activated rear wing. The RC F Track differs with its fixed rear wing and titanium exhaust. Looking at the interior, the RC F comes equipped with a 10.3-inch display screen, heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather steering wheel.
Safety is paramount on the RC, and standard features include the Lexus Safety System+ bundle of driver assistance features. Included in this package are multiple airbags for front and side, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, forward collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure and keep assist, adaptive cruise, and auto high beam headlights and brake assist and traction control.